About this information page

This page is one of several guides to help people with disabilities and carers in Bristol find useful information.

The Occupational Therapy Team have made this guide to show you the support services available in your area. We do our best to keep the information up to date, but things can change. If you spot something that needs updating, please let us know.

You can use this guide for general help, but it might not have every service you need. No liability can be accepted for loss, damage, or injury arising out of any contract made by a private individual with any of the organisations listed.

Useful numbers

Shopping and prescription support

Meal provision

Home adaptions and repairs

Equipment hire and purchase

Home safety

Cognitive services – wellbeing support

Information for carers

Advice services

Please ask the Occupational Therapy team if you would like further advice or support.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published April 2025. Review due April 2028. NBT003347.

Seeking a thrill and the opportunity to make a real difference? Fundraising is the perfect feel-good activity, combining your personal goals with a charitable cause.

Through Southmead Hospital Charity, you can get involved in a variety of fundraising events such as the Great Bristol Run, Bath Half Marathon, Skydiving for Southmead, and many more – all to benefit pioneering research.

Without these pledges from the public, we couldn’t deliver the vast array of research that takes place at North Bristol NHS Trust. Your support in raising these vital funds allows us to live up to our reputation as a centre of excellence for patient care, and a world leader in health research.

Raise money for Research

On behalf of the entire Research Team, thank you for supporting research at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Whether it’s a one-off donation, or a commitment to regular giving, your generous contributions are a key factor in supporting our clinical research studies and related developments.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, donors have given over £300,000 to support research at NBT, significantly boosting our efforts to find the best treatments for COVID-19, in addition to our other ongoing research. These donations have benefited thousands of our patients through enhanced healthcare measures and improved quality of life.

Donating to Research could not be easier through Southmead Hospital Charity. Whatever you can give, your donation powers our work to make your NHS better today, and for tomorrow's generation.

Donate to Research today

If you would like to discuss giving a large donation, donating to a specific research fund, or are interested in leaving a gift in your will, please get in touch with us.

You can donate by phone on 0117 414 0170 or by cheque. Simply address your mailing to:

Southmead Hospital Charity Research Fund
Kendon House
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB

On behalf of the entire Research & Development Team, thank you for supporting research at North Bristol NHS Trust.

Research & Innovation at North Bristol NHS Trust are extremely proud to hold an Investors in People accreditation in recognition of the way it develops, supports and motivates its staff.

Based on 25 years of leading practice, the Investors in People standard is underpinned by a rigorous assessment methodology and a framework which reflects the very latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry.

To secure the award, NBT had to meet a minimum of 65 evidence accreditation standards. These standards cover a wide and diverse mix of areas, including; Strategy and Values, Leadership, and Learning & Development.

On receiving the news, Helen Lewis-White, Deputy Director of Research & Innovation, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded a Silver accreditation, which is a fantastic achievement for the whole team. Our ‘One Team, One Vision’ ethos has enabled a team of over 120 research nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists and research support staff to be focused on our goal of improving patients’ health by giving them the opportunity to take part in healthcare research.”

By supporting its staff to develop their skills, knowledge and clinical qualifications, NBT is able to ensure that patients always come first, and that the local community sits at the heart of all it does.

 

A burn injury doesn’t just affect your body - it can also affect how you think and feel. It’s normal to feel upset or overwhelmed after such an experience. Most people start to feel better as they heal physically and emotionally, but everyone is different. After a burn injury it is common to feel one or more of the following:

• Vulnerable, tense, panicky or on edge.
• Sad or tearful.
• Shock and disbelief at what has happened.
• Emotionally numb, isolated, or detached from other people.
• Troubling thoughts and images relating to the event.
• Disturbed sleep or insomnia.
• Worried about physical symptoms, burn injury treatment and rehabilitation.
• Concerned about appearance and scarring.

How can a clinical psychologist support you?

Clinical psychologists are trained to help people cope with the emotional impact of serious injuries. This can help you feel safe to fully focus on your treatment and rehabilitation. They work with you and the burns team to:

• Help you find ways to cope and move forward.
• Teach techniques to manage stress and difficult emotions.
• Share advice and information others have found helpful during recovery.

They may also offer to meet with your family or close friends to help them support you - only with your permission.

How long will I see them?

Some people only need one or two sessions, while others may need more. The psychologist will work with you to decide what’s best.

Is it confidential?

Yes. What you share is private and recorded only in your patient notes to help your care team. The psychologist will explain more about confidentiality and answer any questions you have about when they might need to share information.

How to get in contact

Support is available during your hospital stay and after you go home. You can speak to the burns psychologist at any stage of your recovery.

If you think you could benefit form speaking with burns clinical psychologist you can:

• Ask a member of the burns team to refer you.
• Contact the service yourself on:
  • Phone: 0117 414 4005
  • Email: psychologyburnsteam@nbt.nhs.uk

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2025. Review due September 2028. NBT003295

Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in cancer care; we work as part of the Cancer Support Team. We can answer your questions and give you information about your diagnosis, treatment, and support available during and after your care. The nurses are Clodagh Hershbein, Lydia Gibbons, and Maria Jimenez.

Cancer Support Worker (CSW) 

The Cancer Support Team also has Support Workers. They are trained to provide support and information about physical, emotional, and practical concerns to help you self-manage your recovery and return to a healthy a lifestyle as soon as possible. Our Cancer support worker is Tina Cordy.

What we offer

• Nurse-led clinics.
• Personalised information about treatment options.
• Education and self-management guidance.
• Sign-posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Phone advice and support.
• Follow up support clinics.

Personalised Care and Support Planning (PCSP)

Personalised Care and Support Planning is a conversation and assessment you will be offered with your Clinical Nurse Specialist and/or Cancer Support Worker, to help discuss your health and wellbeing in relation to your cancer. It will assess your individual needs and concerns, to understand what matters to you.

Personalised Care and Support Planning includes sharing information with you about diet, physical activity, fatigue, and other practical information relevant to you. This can include anything from emotional support, to signposting you to local support services, such as benefits advice.

Making decisions about your healthcare

At NBT we encourage you to be a partner in your healthcare. When patients work with healthcare professionals to make decisions about their healthcare plan and treatment, this is called shared decision making. Shared decision making ensures you are supported to make decisions that are right for you.

This means supporting you to choose tests and treatments based on medical evidence, as well as your individual preferences, beliefs, and values.

It can be helpful to write down questions you have for your healthcare team. You should bring these, and a pen and paper to make any notes when you have appointments.

Some questions that might be helpful to ask:

• What are my options?
• What are the possible benefits and risks of those options?
• What support and information is available to help me make my decision?

Shared decision making matters to us. Tell us what matters to you. 

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre 

We offer help and information about different kinds of cancers and treatments. We also talk about money, benefits you might get, what to eat, and exercises to do. If you have concerns or just want to talk with one of the team, we have time to listen and help you.

The centre offers ‘drop-ins’ for coffee and a chat or appointments for specific needs. 

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:15.

Phone: 0117 414 7051 

Cancer Information Session

As part of your routine care you may be invited to a group education and support session at, or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis. 

The session provides: 

• Information about cancer and related topics that help you participate in your care and recovery.
• The opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences.
• Help to enable you to make choices best suited to you.

Venue: NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, Southmead Hospital

Days and times: Monday 13:30-14:30, Thursday 10:00-11:00. 

Patients transferring to another hospital

If you are referred to another hospital for ongoing treatment, we remain as your key worker, or you may be transferred to a team at the other hospital. This will be discussed with you on an individual basis. 

How to contact us

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2024. Review due September 2027. NBT003246

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The upper gastrointestinal clinical nurse specialist (CNS) are nurses who specialise in upper gastrointestinal cancer, we work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, alongside healthcare professionals. We provide information about your diagnosis, treatment options, specialist support and information to you, your family and carers throughout your cancer treatment and follow up care.

We provide a link and point of contact for you and your family and are your designated key worker.

Cancer Support Worker

The cancer support worker (CSW) works as part of the cancer care team alongside registered practitioners to help improve care for people with cancer, helping patients to self-manage their recovery and return to leading a healthy life. The CSW is not a qualified clinician, but is trained and experienced in supporting people with a cancer diagnosis.

CSW’s can offer practical and emotional support, sign posting, and information about lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, benefits referrals and local support.

What we offer

• Nurse-led clinics, telephone clinics.
• Personalised information about treatment options.
• Education events and self-management programmes.
• Holistic needs assessments and individualised care plans.
• Sign-posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Introduction to the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.
• Telephone advice and support.

We are happy to discuss any issues with nominated relatives or carers, but we must gain permission to do so from you the patient beforehand.

Patients transferring to another hospital

If you are referred to another hospital for ongoing treatment we may remain as your key worker or you may be transferred to a team at the other hospital. This will be discussed with you on an individual basis.

Holistic Needs Assessment

A holistic needs assessment (HNA) is a simple questionnaire that is completed by a person affected by cancer. It allows you to highlight the most important issues at the time of your diagnosis, and after treatment.

The questionnaire can be completed on a tablet (portable touch screen computer) with your nurse or key worker during your outpatient appointments, or at home using your own computer. You will need an access code to complete the questionnaire at home – please speak to your nurse or key worker to find out how to get an access code.

This information is then used to create an individualised care and support plan by your nurse or CSW.

Concerns covered by the HNA include:

• Physical concerns: indigestion, tiredness, changes in weight, moving around, appearance, etc.
• Practical concerns: taking care of others, work or education, transport or parking, housing, pets, etc.
• Emotional concerns: uncertainty, anger and frustration, sadness or depression, independence, body image, intimacy, etc.
• Family or relationship concerns: Partner, children, person who looks over me, person I look after, etc.
• Spiritual concerns: Faith or spirituality, meaning or purpose of life, etc.
• Information or support: exercise and activity, diet and nutrition, health and wellbeing, patient or carers group, etc.

Cancer Information and Support Clinic

As part of your routine care you will/may be invited to a group education and support session for patients and their families/friends/carer at or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to provide information to you about the range of topics relating to cancer that help you take control and participate in your care and recovery. It is an important and necessary part of the support that we offer so that you can make choices best suited to you.

The clinics provide an opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences, providing reassurance, reducing anxiety and the sense of isolation some people feel.

The clinic is held in the NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital and is run twice a week by the Cancer Support Workers. The session lasts for approximately 2 ¼ hours with refreshment break (tea, coffee and biscuits provided).

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre

The NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, at Southmead Hospital, is available to help anyone affected by cancer; whether you are someone who has just been diagnosed, in the middle of or finished treatment, or whether you are a friend, family member or carer of someone with cancer.

Staff at the centre can signpost patients to information, support and practical advice to help you live well through treatment and beyond.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4pm. The telephone number is: 0117 414 7051.

Pop in for a chat or call to find out more about what we can offer and how we may be able to help.

Useful websites

Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk

Cancer Research: www.cancerresearchuk.org

How to contact us:

Upper GI Cancer Nurse Specialists: 0117 414 0515

Macmillan Wellbeing Centre: 0117 414 7051

Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published May 2020. Review due May 2022. NBT003246

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The Urology Clinical Nurse Specialists are experts in urological cancer care, we work as part of the Cancer Support Team. We can answer your questions and give you information about your diagnosis, treatment, and support available during and after your care.

Cancer Support Worker (CSW) 

The Cancer Support Worker is a non-registered member of the cancer support team. They have received training to provide support and information about physical, emotional, and practical concerns to help you self-manage your recovery and return to as healthy a lifestyle as soon as possible.

Personalised Care and Support Planning (PCSP)

Personalised Care and Support Planning is a conversation and assessment offered with your Clinical Nurse Specialist and/or Cancer Support Worker to help discuss your health and wellbeing in relation to your cancer. It will assess your individual needs and concerns, to understand what matters to you.

Personalised Care and Support Planning includes sharing information with you about diet, physical activity, fatigue, and other practical information relevant to you. This could include anything from emotional support to directing you to local support services, such as benefits advice.

Making decisions about your healthcare

At NBT we encourage you to be a partner in your healthcare. When patients work with healthcare professionals to make decisions about their healthcare plan and treatment, this is called shared decision making. Shared decision making makes sure you are supported to make decisions that are right for you. This means supporting you to choose tests and treatments based on medical evidence, as well as your individual preferences, beliefs, and values.

It can be helpful to write down questions you have for your healthcare team. You should bring these, and a pen and paper to make any notes when you have appointments. 

Some questions that might be helpful to ask:

• What are my options?
• What are the possible benefits and risks of those options?
• What support and information is available to help me make my decision?

Shared decision making matters to us. Tell us what matters to you. 

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre 

We offer help and information about different kinds of cancers and treatments. We also talk about money, benefits you might get, what to eat, and exercises to do. If you have concerns or just want to talk with one of the team, we have time to listen and help you.

The centre offers ‘drop-ins’ for coffee and a chat or appointments for specific needs.

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:15

Phone: 0117 414 7051 

Cancer Information Session

As part of your routine care you may be invited to a group education and support session at, or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis.

The session provides:

• Information about cancer and related topics that help you participate in your care and recovery.
• The opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences.
• Help to enable you to make choices best suited to you.

Venue: NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, Southmead Hospital

Days and times: Monday 13:30 - 14:30, Thursday 10:00 – 11:00

Useful websites

How to contact us

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published June 2024. Review due June 2027. NBT003170.

Introduction to this booklet

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is different for everyone and affects each person in an individual way. However, research and patient experience indicate that it can be common for people to feel a variety of emotions that may include fear, anxiety, low mood, confusion, anger, sadness, denial, relief.

In the same way that the emotions people experience upon receiving a cancer diagnosis are unique to each individual, the ways in which people access support and the strategies they find helpful can vary too.

This leaflet brings together a variety of suggestions for helping and supporting individuals through difficult and challenging periods in their lives, as well as information on the support we offer here at North Bristol NHS Trust.

It is important to remember that professional help and support is available. Talking to your doctor or nurse to access support in your area may be the first step. Many areas also offer ‘buddy systems’ or have support groups.

Remember, if you encounter difficulties related to your cancer or treatment, even if it is some time after treatment ends, you are still able to access support.

For a list of options for support we provide at Southmead Hospital, please turn to page 11.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is any form of exercise or activity involving movement that uses your muscles. It helps to improve your physical and psychological health. Being fitter and stronger will really help you to manage your daily activities, as well as increasing the level of feel-good chemicals (endorphins) in the body. This can be a positive way of coping with the sometimes overwhelming intensity of emotions.

Physical activity is recommended by the National Cancer Institute and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science. They advise that physical activity is safe and effective before, during and after cancer treatment.

There is research evidence that physical activity can help in the following ways:

• Reduce side effects of treatment such as fatigue
• Improve quality of life
• Reduce the risk of cancer coming back
• Help look after your heart and manage other health problems
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Help maintain a healthy weight
• Strengthen your muscles, joints and bones
• Improve your flexibility and help keep you supple
• Increase your confidence

The Macmillan ‘Move More’ pack is an excellent resource that covers all of these points in more detail and also advises how to become more active at the different stages of cancer, how much activity is recommended and how to get started. It guides you through exercises that can be done at home and includes lots of everyday activities like walking, housework and gardening. This is available from the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.

The Energise exercise programme is also available to introduce people to a supported environment to begin exercising. You can self-refer or you can be referred by your nurse specialist or another medical professional. Full details of Energise and other physical activity programmes near to you are available at the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.

Diet

Eating well can sometimes prove challenging following a cancer diagnosis, due to the physical side-effects of certain cancers and their treatments. Optimising your intake to achieve the most balanced diet possible can have many positive health benefits, including improved immune system function, better energy levels and improved mood. Specialist dietary advice may be provided following a cancer diagnosis/ treatment, which should always be adhered to.

Recommendations from the World Cancer Research Fund for living well following a cancer diagnosis encourage you to:

• Consume more; fruits/vegetables/beans (aim for a minimum of 5 portions per day)
• Choose wholemeal/wholegrain cereals where possible
• Limit red meats to <500g per week
• Avoid processed meats
• Reduce salt to less than 6g/day
• Avoid/minimise alcohol
• Be a healthy weight
• Avoid nutritional supplements unless they have been recommended by your medical team, or a registered Dietician

If you would like further nutritional information, comprehensive literature can be obtained from the NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.

For further support, please complete a self-referral form to see our Specialist Dietician for a 1:1 consultation. Referral forms are also available from the centre.

 

Sleep

It might sound obvious, but a good night’s sleep can profoundly affect how well or poorly equipped we feel to face the challenges of each new day. Getting into a healthy sleep routine can help us to feel more physically and mentally able to function on a daily basis. A healthy sleep routine might involve:

• Keeping regular hours - Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and avoiding daytime naps will help programme your body to better sleep.
• Creating a restful sleeping environment - as quiet and dark as possible. Try and make sure your bed is comfortable, with distractions (e.g. TV) relegated to another room.
• Reducing stimulants (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, nicotine) in the evenings as they are known to disrupt sleep quality. Instead have a warm, milky drink or herbal tea.
• Exercising regularly, but not too close to bedtime
• Keeping a ‘worry pad’ - before bedtime, jot down any worries on your mind. The goal is to avoid doing these things when you’re in bed trying to sleep and spend time the next day thinking through them.
• Practising relaxation - have a warm bath, listen to quiet music or do some gentle yoga to relax mind and body.
• Don’t struggle in bed - If you can’t sleep, try not to lie there worrying about it. If after a while you realise you’re not getting to sleep, get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again, then return to bed. This is so your mind associates your bedroom with a place for sleeping, not stress.

There is no ‘right’ way to feel

Having a positive mental attitude during and after cancer treatment can be beneficial. However, it is normal to feel a range of emotions when you are coping with treatment and recovering from it and allowing yourself to feel these without pressure to remain endlessly positive is important. Having the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about how you are feeling can be invaluable, whether this is with friends and family or through a support group or Living Well Course (see page 11).
If you feel that your mood is getting in the way of you being able to do things that matter to you (e.g. at home or work) then it is worth seeing your GP or nurse specialist to talk about options for psychological support.

Mindfulness

It’s common to find our mind worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, but this can turn up feelings of worry and low mood. Mindfulness techniques can help you to let go of the struggle with difficult thoughts and feelings and focus on the present moment. With practice, mindfulness can have a wide range of benefits including reduced depression and worry, increased sense of calm and ability to cope with physical symptoms (like pain and fatigue), as well as an enhanced wellbeing generally.

You can get information about mindfulness techniques and courses from the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre here at Southmead Hospital and Penny Brohn in Pill (www.pennybrohn.org.uk).

Body confidence

Experiencing cancer and treatment for cancer may have an impact on your appearance and the way in which you might see your body or feel about the way you look. Tips for dealing with changes in appearance include:

• Planning and practising ways to confidently answer any comments or questions.
• Taking steps to feel better about your appearance e.g. attending a Look Good Feel Better workshop (contact Macmillan Wellbeing).
• Physical activity and exercise can improve how you feel about your body whilst releasing feel-good chemicals into your system.
• Keeping a journal or express your thoughts, worries and anxieties in writing or in a creative visual way that allows you to help process difficult emotions.
• Talking to others and letting them know if you need more support.

It can feel difficult to adjust to, and talk about, changes in appearance. However, keeping your feelings to yourself can sometimes stop you doing things you enjoy or getting the right help. It can help be helpful to talk about your feelings with someone you trust and who you feel comfortable or you may find it helpful to write down your questions or concerns and share these with your health professional.

Further cancer support at Southmead Hospital

Here at Southmead, we are able to offer support at any stage of your cancer journey.

We provide access to:

• Cancer information and support clinic - information session on a range of wellbeing topics relating to living well with and beyond cancer
• Macmillan Wellbeing Centre – for information, support and a cuppa!
• Living well days - information session on a range of topics relating to moving forwards
• Living well courses – see overleaf for more information
• Exercise groups
• Dietetics advice
• Macmillan Citizen’s Advice Bureau – for financial support
• Psychological support around decision making - preparing for surgery or other treatments and support with making decisions about cancer treatments.
• 1:1 Psychology - support around coping with cancer and concerns relating to this. This could include issues like fear of recurrence, body image concerns or mood.

Please speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist or the team in the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre if you are interested in these support options or email LivingWell@nbt.nhs.uk.

Living Well courses

These 5 week self-management courses are now offered as part of your routine follow-up care. The courses are facilitated by a health psychologist, specialist nurse and volunteer.

The courses include:

• Adjusting to the shock of a diagnosis
• Dealing with treatment and challenging side effects e.g. hair loss, disrupted sleep, managing cancer-related fatigue
• Dealing with changes in confidence and self esteem
• Managing uncertainty and worries about your future health
• Issues around recovery, such as return to work
• Difficulties in dealing with other people’s reactions e.g. family and friends distress, grief, and understanding
• Building confidence, including taking steps towards personal goals

 “I came to the Living Well course in 2014/15. Depression hit me after my treatment ended and the course was a shining light in the darkness; a safe space where I could spend time with supportive women who understood what I was going through. I cannot recommend this course highly enough; I learnt so many techniques for coping with the aftermath of treatment, which I continue to use.”

Quote from Cathy, who attended a Breast Living Well course

Support networks and helplines

Having a good support network can help ease what can often be a challenging journey for people who are living with a cancer diagnosis. There are many different of forms of support that may be more helpful at different times for different people who are trying to cope with the impact of a cancer diagnosis. Support that might prove useful includes:

Family and friends

It may feel difficult talking to family and friends about your fears and anxieties, but it can often be helpful for both of you to ask for what it is you need from them in terms of support.

Hospital and medical staff

These staff (e.g. your Clinical Nurse Specialist and Doctors) are there to provide both medical care for you and to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the treatment you have received.

Helplines / websites

There are a number of both general and specialist cancer helplines and websites dedicated to supporting people with cancer. These include:

• Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk, 0808 808 0000
• Penny Brohn Cancer Care: www.pennybrohn.org.uk, 0303 3000 118
• healthtalkonline.org

Contact us

If you have any further questions, please visit the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital, for information, support and a cuppa! Or you can call and book an appointment with one of our support workers for a Holistic Needs assessment so that you can receive personally tailored information and support.

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre
Beaufort House
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB

Email: wellbeingcentre@nbt.nhs.uk
Phone: 0117 414 7051

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2020. Review due March 2022. NBT003065

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The Urology Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are nurses who specialise in cancer of the bladder, kidney, prostate, testis and penis, we work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, alongside healthcare professionals. We provide information about your diagnosis, treatment options, specialist support and information to you, your family and carers throughout your cancer treatment and follow up care.

We provide a link and point of contact for you and your family and are your designated key worker.

Cancer Support Worker

The Cancer Support Worker (CSW) works as part of the cancer care team alongside registered practitioners to help improve care for people with cancer, helping patients to self-manage and lead as healthy lives as possible.The CSW is not a qualified clinician, but is trained and experienced in supporting people with a cancer diagnosis.

CSW’s can offer practical and emotional support, sign posting, and information about lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, benefits referrals and local support available.

What we offer

• Nurse-led clinics, telephone clinics.
• Personalised information about treatment options.
• Education events and self-management programmes.
• Holistic needs assessments and individualised care plans.
• Sign-posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Introduction to the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.
• Telephone advice and support.

We are happy to discuss any issues with nominated relatives or carers, but we must gain permission to do so from you the patient beforehand.

Patients transferring to another hospital

If you are referred to another hospital for ongoing treatment your care will transferred to the CNS team based at that hospital.

Holistic Needs Assessment

A holistic needs assessment (HNA) is a simple questionnaire that is completed by a person affected by cancer. It allows you to highlight the most important issues at the time of your diagnosis, and after treatment.

The questionnaire can be completed on a tablet (portable touch screen computer) with your nurse or key worker during your outpatient appointments, or at home using your own computer. You will need an access code to complete the questionnaire at home – please speak to your nurse or key worker to find out how to get an access code.

This information is then used to create an individualised care and support plan by your nurse or CSW.

Concerns covered by the HNA include:

• Physical concerns: indigestion, tiredness, changes in weight, moving around, appearance, etc.
• Practical concerns: taking care of others, work or education, transport or parking, housing, pets, etc.
• Emotional concerns: uncertainty, anger and frustration, sadness or depression, independence, body image, intimacy, etc.
• Family or relationship concerns: partner, children, person who looks over me, person I look after, etc.
• Spiritual concerns: faith or spirituality, meaning or purpose of life, etc.
• Information or support: exercise and activity, diet and nutrition, health and wellbeing, patient or carers group, etc.

Cancer Information and Support Clinic

As part of your routine care you will be invited to a group education and support session for patients and their families/friends/carer at or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to provide information to you about the range of topics relating to cancer that help you take control and participate in your care and recovery. It is an important and necessary part of the support that we offer so that you can make choices best suited to you.

The clinics provide an opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences, providing reassurance, reducing anxiety and the sense of isolation some people feel.

The clinic is held in the NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital and is run twice a week by the Cancer Support Workers. The session lasts for approximately two and a quarter hours with a refreshment break (tea, coffee and biscuits provided).

Pop in for a chat or call to find out more about what we can offer and how we may be able to help.

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre

The NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, at Southmead Hospital, is available to help anyone affected by cancer; whether you are someone who has just been diagnosed, in the middle of or finished treatment, or whether you are a friend, family member or carer of someone with cancer.

Staff at the centre can signpost patients to information, support and practical advice to help you live well through treatment and beyond.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4pm, the telephone number is: 0117 414 7051.

Useful websites

Prostate Cancer UK: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Kidney cancer UK: www.kcuk.org
Bladder Cancer UK: www.actiononbladdercancer.org
www.fightbladdercancer.co.uk
Testicular Cancer: www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/itsinthebag
Penile Cancer: www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk

How to contact us:

Urology Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists: 0117 4140512

Macmillan Wellbeing Centre: 0117 414 7051

www.nbt.nhs.uk/urology

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2019. Review due March 2021. NBT003170